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Originally Posted by Blewgrass  Wow! I live in Cotati. Recorded a demo in the "A" room on Mooka's advice... you know.. the room Tom says is dead... Oh well. I did learn tons from my first run in a world class facility, and most of all, learned that performance is the key.. don't get caught up in the gear, just do your thing. I'll probably get back there at some point. I've hung out in the Waits room for several jam sessions with local musicians. I think many musicians have passed through that room looking for some of the magic that Tom may have left in there. Probably the same reason why Springsteen hopped the fence at Graceland. We're all looking for some magic out there. Tom has certainly earned his place in rock history.
I was playing a gig with my bluegrass trio one night at Aroma's and Waits, Kathleen, kids and all came in... they were chased out pretty quick, but it was a thrill of sorts. My old band covered some of his southern porch bluesey numbers.
Most folks up here have a Tom Waits story. He's just a regular dude, and if you don't talk to him like a rock star, he'll BS with you all night.
If you work up there, we've probably met. I drive by W. Sierra on my way To Bodega Bay four times a week. If you are a tech up there, I might have met you too. I know Mooka hires interns from Sonoma State to work in there.
Quint: I bet they would take you on a tour. Just tell them you're considering giving them some business :-) No seriously, they are super chill up there. Hey man, It's all about wine, chickens and organic horticulture of varying types here in Sonoma County. I have lived up and down the West Coast, and Sonoma County is by far my favorite place. You have to visit the Coast when you are here too. Cheers |
Ha funny small world. I came up to Sonoma from the east bay 4 years ago for the internship. Been a staff guy here for the last 3. Who do you play with? The music scene around here is so interconnected, if we haven't met, I'm sure I've met some of your fellows.
I don't know if Waits left any magic in the rooms, and I wasn't here when he did his work here, but I just love the Waits Room for the sound - it's an interactive space. Totally not a "studio" room. The wood panneling on the walls resonates, and acoustic instruments seem to be the right volume for the walls to act like another instrument (if that makes any sense). I especially like when I can get acoustic ensembles (ie bluegrass) to play and sing live in there with no phones. And again - so good as a small chamber for mixing.
Of course I extend the tour offer to any fellow GS studio geeks, regardless of imminent business or not. Gotta hope that when I'm travelling I can use the GS "guest pass" (it exists, right?) to see some of the rooms I'd like to visit.
Someone asked about pics? Let me take a look. Studio C has always been the most comfortable room to me to work in, but doesn't photograph well.